Tennessee State has appointed Jennifer Bell as its interim AD, turning to a veteran administrator with more than three decades of experience inside the HBCU’s athletic department during a period of major leadership uncertainty.Bell’s appointment is effective immediately. She will oversee every aspect of Tennessee State’s intercollegiate athletics program while the university continues addressing concerns surrounding its previous athletic leadership.The move comes after Tennessee State placed athletic director Dr. Mikki Allen on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation. University President Dwayne Tucker launched that investigation after six head coaches raised concerns about the direction, communication and management of the department.No timetable has been announced for completing the investigation or determining Allen’s long-term status.Bell is not an outsider arriving to learn the department during a crisis. She worked within Tennessee State athletics since 1991 and currently serves as executive senior associate athletic director for student-athlete services and senior woman administrator.
